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05. bang bang
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[ A knowing smile settles on Sage's features. Rowen will always outpace him in raw intellect and the pursuit of it. But there are always some instances in which Sage can play at knowing something he doesn't, something that doesn't require his penchant for overthinking. It just happens to be true. Just by looking at him, Sage can see his mental pace quicken. Too easy, he thinks. Then again, maybe he appreciates that easiness, when their pasts can be so complicated. He turns aside, the cheeky look on his face finally reaching his eyes. He claps Rowen's shoulder once. His fingers tighten, then push him off. ]
It'll all be for nothing if we get trampled here.
[ Sage does as asked after that, finding a table situated beside one of the cafe windows. It pans horizontally across the interior, giving a good view of the street. Naturally, he picks a sunny spot, and the bright line of light cuts across the surface. He slides his books onto the table and takes a seat, folding his arms loosely over his chest.
When he looks out the window, he sees life as it should be. Simple, quiet, peaceful. He tries not to feel pride for it sometimes, but it sets in the line of his jaw, in the steadiness of his gaze. Being here now with Rowen only makes the feeling stronger. ]
It'll all be for nothing if we get trampled here.
[ Sage does as asked after that, finding a table situated beside one of the cafe windows. It pans horizontally across the interior, giving a good view of the street. Naturally, he picks a sunny spot, and the bright line of light cuts across the surface. He slides his books onto the table and takes a seat, folding his arms loosely over his chest.
When he looks out the window, he sees life as it should be. Simple, quiet, peaceful. He tries not to feel pride for it sometimes, but it sets in the line of his jaw, in the steadiness of his gaze. Being here now with Rowen only makes the feeling stronger. ]
[ Yang is pretty sure she should be booking it for cover by the time the volley of gunfire goes off overhead, taking out several lights. There's panic and the following uproar of people screaming and running, like a giant surge of energy. Or maybe that's the adrenaline of actually being shot with whatever weird contraption the weirder girl had pointed at her, that she hadn't been able to dodge. Something hit her. For a moment, she's stumbled back as the lights flicker and spark, still in the mad rush for the exits. Her breath catches and forces itself out, hot in the back of her throat.
Nothing hurts. She doesn't think she's bleeding. But something familiar streaks through her veins, fast and sure and brilliant. All the chaos, the mystery. Yang pulls herself together from the initial shock, moving forward to the edge of the lounge balcony once more. She reaches up to grip the railing tight, heart racing. A grin spills onto her face at the image of the girl racing towards her. ]
That's my name, don't wear it out!
[ And just like that, she boosts herself over the rail, swinging both legs around to give herself the momentum to make the leap. It's a good twenty foot drop to the ground, and she lands heavily, but on her feet. Her expression grows more daring as she shoves her hands on her hips.
Her manager would probably have words with her after this, but that was small change. This is apparently her problem now, and she's never backed down before.
Bloody noses and fists and explosive headlines and all. ]
You know, if you wanted an autograph, there are way easier ways than this. I gotta give you points for creativity though.
Nothing hurts. She doesn't think she's bleeding. But something familiar streaks through her veins, fast and sure and brilliant. All the chaos, the mystery. Yang pulls herself together from the initial shock, moving forward to the edge of the lounge balcony once more. She reaches up to grip the railing tight, heart racing. A grin spills onto her face at the image of the girl racing towards her. ]
That's my name, don't wear it out!
[ And just like that, she boosts herself over the rail, swinging both legs around to give herself the momentum to make the leap. It's a good twenty foot drop to the ground, and she lands heavily, but on her feet. Her expression grows more daring as she shoves her hands on her hips.
Her manager would probably have words with her after this, but that was small change. This is apparently her problem now, and she's never backed down before.
Bloody noses and fists and explosive headlines and all. ]
You know, if you wanted an autograph, there are way easier ways than this. I gotta give you points for creativity though.
[ Ryusuke told him not to smoke in his place. Taira is usually a pretty decent house guest - he doesn't leave his shit everywhere, he doesn't bum (all) of his drinks. He leaves the mags folded neatly on the shelves he got them from. He minds Ryusuke's guitars, because without his guitars Ryusuke is a vague echo of himself and with them he's a natural high. Egotistical, humble, quiet, and loud. Taira's seen it all, so Taira is a good house guest.
Ryusuke told him not to smoke in the house but today Ryusuke can shove it. In the fondest way possible.
It's snowing outside, and it's bitter cold. All around the fishing shack, the piles of flurries are quickly accumulating in the dirt, spilling over onto the concrete slab that serves as its foundation. Clouds roll heavily overhead, backlit a dim gray by the evening sun. Taira had been sent home because of road closures, and just beat the storm when he arrived at Ryusuke's for practice.
Seeing as he's the only one here, he can take a wild guess that the rest of the guys weren't so lucky. Outside, he can hear Ryusuke's colorful deluge of English cursing. A smile forms at one corner of his mouth, cigarette poised at the juncture of his bottom lip. He flips the page of his magazine and waits for Ryusuke to return from checking on his fish. There's a space heater going in the corner, hazing up the room with warmth and smoke. Still, the walls are thin, and Taira glances towards the door. ]
It looks like shit out there.
[ He reaches for his cigarette, pulling it from his mouth after a short drag. He shrugs carelessly, tapping the ash into an empty can nearby. ]
Well, then again. It looks like shit in here too.
Ryusuke told him not to smoke in the house but today Ryusuke can shove it. In the fondest way possible.
It's snowing outside, and it's bitter cold. All around the fishing shack, the piles of flurries are quickly accumulating in the dirt, spilling over onto the concrete slab that serves as its foundation. Clouds roll heavily overhead, backlit a dim gray by the evening sun. Taira had been sent home because of road closures, and just beat the storm when he arrived at Ryusuke's for practice.
Seeing as he's the only one here, he can take a wild guess that the rest of the guys weren't so lucky. Outside, he can hear Ryusuke's colorful deluge of English cursing. A smile forms at one corner of his mouth, cigarette poised at the juncture of his bottom lip. He flips the page of his magazine and waits for Ryusuke to return from checking on his fish. There's a space heater going in the corner, hazing up the room with warmth and smoke. Still, the walls are thin, and Taira glances towards the door. ]
It looks like shit out there.
[ He reaches for his cigarette, pulling it from his mouth after a short drag. He shrugs carelessly, tapping the ash into an empty can nearby. ]
Well, then again. It looks like shit in here too.
[Blake ducks around and through the crowd easily enough, evading panicked, rushing people on her own run toward her partner. She'd managed to get her with the beam from that device, she knows she did, now she just has to reach her.
She stops below the balcony when Yang turns to face her and for a second, there's hope. That cocky swagger, that bright, energetic grin. Then there's the leap, far more than any of these relatively fragile humans could have done. For a second there's hope, and relief. Now all they have to do is get away, an easy enough task for the two of them to manage.
But then... no. No, something's not right. She sees it an instant before Yang actually speaks. For all she can see of her friend, there's something else that just... isn't her. Relief is swallowed by disappointment but she banishes it just as fast. No time for that, focus on the task at hand.]
Yang, I know that you probably can't recognize me, but you have to listen. [She casts a glance over her shoulder. The chaos in the club is beginning to die down as people flee... and more security is on the way. Frowning, she turns back to Yang.] There's no time to explain here, but you need to come with me right now. ... And you're going to, one way or another.
[As much as it pains her to have to square off against her... she knows Yang well enough to know that talk might not be enough normally. Nevermind with brainwashing involved.]
She stops below the balcony when Yang turns to face her and for a second, there's hope. That cocky swagger, that bright, energetic grin. Then there's the leap, far more than any of these relatively fragile humans could have done. For a second there's hope, and relief. Now all they have to do is get away, an easy enough task for the two of them to manage.
But then... no. No, something's not right. She sees it an instant before Yang actually speaks. For all she can see of her friend, there's something else that just... isn't her. Relief is swallowed by disappointment but she banishes it just as fast. No time for that, focus on the task at hand.]
Yang, I know that you probably can't recognize me, but you have to listen. [She casts a glance over her shoulder. The chaos in the club is beginning to die down as people flee... and more security is on the way. Frowning, she turns back to Yang.] There's no time to explain here, but you need to come with me right now. ... And you're going to, one way or another.
[As much as it pains her to have to square off against her... she knows Yang well enough to know that talk might not be enough normally. Nevermind with brainwashing involved.]
[ Rowen pointedly doesn't think about Sage's grip or his hands or anything else besides ordering drinks. Because he knows himself– if he's going to get into that spiral of thought it was going to be hours before he came out of it. Hours. He's been there before. Not quite with this topic, but something close to it. Sage has been simultaneously closest to him and furthest away. It's in the way the blonde sort of holds himself aloof. All that old time samurai upbringing, he thinks.
Still, that background is something that makes him interesting. Even moreso when he can be easier to prank because of it. Drink orders are filled and Rowen scoops both of the cups up, finding the profile Sage cuts without much effort. And naturally, he's sitting in a sunny spot. Naturally. ]
Here.
[ Rowen slides the drink over to the other man– it's a ridiculous concoction that the barista had dubbed "dead raiser" for how much caffeine and sugar was in it. He keeps the correct drink to himself as he slides into the chair, elbows set on the table top without regard for manners. ]
Still, that background is something that makes him interesting. Even moreso when he can be easier to prank because of it. Drink orders are filled and Rowen scoops both of the cups up, finding the profile Sage cuts without much effort. And naturally, he's sitting in a sunny spot. Naturally. ]
Here.
[ Rowen slides the drink over to the other man– it's a ridiculous concoction that the barista had dubbed "dead raiser" for how much caffeine and sugar was in it. He keeps the correct drink to himself as he slides into the chair, elbows set on the table top without regard for manners. ]
[ Sage is right about one thing– he's not about to raise his weapon to an ally.
Blades come up defensively, reflexively. There's the barest of blinks as he takes his eyes off of the arrow, expecting impact in the fraction of moments it takes for him to refocus on it. But it never comes. Instead, there's the distinct smell of ozone, electric and raising the hair on the back of his neck. For a short, horrifying second, things seem to split, energy trying to ricochet off into separate directions. It feels wrong.
This isn't how it's supposed to be. They're not meant to fight each other. Furiously, he turns his attention on Anubis; could this be a trick? Something Dais is puppeteering? In their clash against the Dynasty, the other side has used underhanded tactics before.
Ryo wants nothing more than to believe this is just another one of them. But there's something about the set of Rowen's jaw, how he'd exhaled as he let the arrow fly; those aren't things that can be imitated. ]
Sage, you're not going to be able to take another hit like that!
[ Stubbornly, he moves forward, heels digging into the ground underneath of him. While he won't fight Rowen, he will go toe to toe with Anubis. And what they all need right now is time– he intends to buy them some. ]
I don't care what you're up to Anubis, but if you think you're going to be able to hide like that, you've got another thing comin'.
[ Steel flashes as he re-angles his swords, a more direct challenge. ]
Blades come up defensively, reflexively. There's the barest of blinks as he takes his eyes off of the arrow, expecting impact in the fraction of moments it takes for him to refocus on it. But it never comes. Instead, there's the distinct smell of ozone, electric and raising the hair on the back of his neck. For a short, horrifying second, things seem to split, energy trying to ricochet off into separate directions. It feels wrong.
This isn't how it's supposed to be. They're not meant to fight each other. Furiously, he turns his attention on Anubis; could this be a trick? Something Dais is puppeteering? In their clash against the Dynasty, the other side has used underhanded tactics before.
Ryo wants nothing more than to believe this is just another one of them. But there's something about the set of Rowen's jaw, how he'd exhaled as he let the arrow fly; those aren't things that can be imitated. ]
Sage, you're not going to be able to take another hit like that!
[ Stubbornly, he moves forward, heels digging into the ground underneath of him. While he won't fight Rowen, he will go toe to toe with Anubis. And what they all need right now is time– he intends to buy them some. ]
I don't care what you're up to Anubis, but if you think you're going to be able to hide like that, you've got another thing comin'.
[ Steel flashes as he re-angles his swords, a more direct challenge. ]
[ He isn't going to go easy. Why should he?
Instead of answering with words, he flips another arrow into place. Jumping back to create more distance, he lets it fly; a flicker of gold light and he's reloaded without even taking a breath. Sure, there are more of them, but he has the advantage of unlimited ammunition and enough power to keep a gap between himself and the rest. Having Anubis here will help greatly as well– while the five of them usually were able to whittle him down, the power structure has certainly shifted.
Especially since they're not going to be willing to come at him. Sage in particular, he knows, will need crystal clear evidence before he makes a move. ]
Come on Halo, that was an easy block. You're better than that.
[ Anubis heads in the direction opposite– splitting the attention. ] Will you now?
Instead of answering with words, he flips another arrow into place. Jumping back to create more distance, he lets it fly; a flicker of gold light and he's reloaded without even taking a breath. Sure, there are more of them, but he has the advantage of unlimited ammunition and enough power to keep a gap between himself and the rest. Having Anubis here will help greatly as well– while the five of them usually were able to whittle him down, the power structure has certainly shifted.
Especially since they're not going to be willing to come at him. Sage in particular, he knows, will need crystal clear evidence before he makes a move. ]
Come on Halo, that was an easy block. You're better than that.
[ Anubis heads in the direction opposite– splitting the attention. ] Will you now?
[ None the wiser, Sage accepts the cup. It's all polite reflex, as it takes him a moment or two to actually look away from the window and the thrum of normalcy that lies beyond it. He lifts it at an angle with a nod - a silent thanks. If Rowen's lack of manners bothers him, he probably wouldn't be here at all. Over time, habits become nuanced. Appreciated, even. There's something comforting in knowing that to expect.
Well, in most cases. Instead of taking a sip right away, Sage squares the cup on the table, both palms against it to warm his hands. True to Rowen's word, the foot traffic outside is picking up. ]
How much time do you have to spend here before memorizing the class schedules?
[ Briefly, Sage wonders how often he actually goes home. ]
Well, in most cases. Instead of taking a sip right away, Sage squares the cup on the table, both palms against it to warm his hands. True to Rowen's word, the foot traffic outside is picking up. ]
How much time do you have to spend here before memorizing the class schedules?
[ Briefly, Sage wonders how often he actually goes home. ]
[ True to form, Rowen accepts the thanks with a small gesture of his own. This is how they communicate. Or rather, how they've learned to communicate. Cye and Kento make fun of them for being mentally linked, but Rowen just figures it's more just understanding the blonde as well as he does. Neither of them have need for words, anyway. ]
Er, well, when I was taking an astrophysics class I spent about a week in here off and on trying to crunch for a paper.
[ That was last term. He's not going to mention that he slept maybe two or three of those days. Time not spent here found him in the library, surrounded by reference books that weren't allowed to be checked out. ]
In my breaks, I started mapping traffic patterns for fun. Or guessing what drinks people would order.
Er, well, when I was taking an astrophysics class I spent about a week in here off and on trying to crunch for a paper.
[ That was last term. He's not going to mention that he slept maybe two or three of those days. Time not spent here found him in the library, surrounded by reference books that weren't allowed to be checked out. ]
In my breaks, I started mapping traffic patterns for fun. Or guessing what drinks people would order.
I should have known.
[ And maybe he did. Maybe he can figure more from what goes unsaid, but voicing it would just diminish the ability to tell all together. Rowen's life had always carried this hectic quality with it, this comfortable unrest. Sage's life must seem so meticulous in comparison. His thumbs tap the paper cup pointedly, but he still doesn't lift it just yet. His gaze is horrendously steady and lacks pretense. ]
Since you must've passed, I wonder if your guessing success rate influenced how you ordered for me.
[ And maybe he did. Maybe he can figure more from what goes unsaid, but voicing it would just diminish the ability to tell all together. Rowen's life had always carried this hectic quality with it, this comfortable unrest. Sage's life must seem so meticulous in comparison. His thumbs tap the paper cup pointedly, but he still doesn't lift it just yet. His gaze is horrendously steady and lacks pretense. ]
Since you must've passed, I wonder if your guessing success rate influenced how you ordered for me.
[ In all honesty, he wouldn't be surprised if Sage could. Past experience has taught him that his friend was good at reading between the lines. Somehow, though, he doesn't feel like the blonde is just picking apart his sleeping habits or his weird studying. Rowen keeps the contact, even if his heart seems to be doing tiny little flips over on itself.
The sunlight filtering in through the window really does Sage favors. Mouth dry and pulse higher than usual, he pours his effort into a cheeky smirk, leaning back in his chair. ]
Maybe it did, maybe it didn't. I had more data to go off of there.
The sunlight filtering in through the window really does Sage favors. Mouth dry and pulse higher than usual, he pours his effort into a cheeky smirk, leaning back in his chair. ]
Maybe it did, maybe it didn't. I had more data to go off of there.
[ A long series of months have passed since that eventful first day in Blanc's capital. Having gotten used to the way this world works, and how easily its power can greet him now, that morning seems so distant, when he thinks back on it. One constant in Allelujah's life since then has been Lapis. She'd been there to greet him then, and she's still there now, every morning, and every night. Really, he's grown inordinately fond of her, steady demeanor and amusing aversion to being called a friend aside. While it doesn't take much to win him over, her trust in him has soothed many soul-deep fears and worries that he has.
And she's also been an excellent partner to accompany him around the city in less conventional ways.
Allelujah stand atop one of the tall, compact buildings of Sparrow Town. A breeze rifles through his hair, cools his temples and neck. Night stretches over Caissa and yet the city is still so beautiful, aglow with many sources of light, both living and non. Had he never gotten to experience the city like this, he's sure he would regret it.
Tilting his heel against the ledge, he pitches forward over the side of the building. Using his gravity, his impact against the roof below is softened to a whisper of a noise, and he rolls into the motion, using it as a springing point to jump at the next sheer wall ahead of him. His fingertips catch on a ledge and he climbs up, alighting on the next rooftop. Turning around, he motions Lapis forward. This is their routine now, almost more than it is just training. To see Caissa from a new angle, and test the limits of their strength and agility, and their trust. ]
This way. [ It's quiet up here, and his voice travels easily. ] Take my hand once you're here.
And she's also been an excellent partner to accompany him around the city in less conventional ways.
Allelujah stand atop one of the tall, compact buildings of Sparrow Town. A breeze rifles through his hair, cools his temples and neck. Night stretches over Caissa and yet the city is still so beautiful, aglow with many sources of light, both living and non. Had he never gotten to experience the city like this, he's sure he would regret it.
Tilting his heel against the ledge, he pitches forward over the side of the building. Using his gravity, his impact against the roof below is softened to a whisper of a noise, and he rolls into the motion, using it as a springing point to jump at the next sheer wall ahead of him. His fingertips catch on a ledge and he climbs up, alighting on the next rooftop. Turning around, he motions Lapis forward. This is their routine now, almost more than it is just training. To see Caissa from a new angle, and test the limits of their strength and agility, and their trust. ]
This way. [ It's quiet up here, and his voice travels easily. ] Take my hand once you're here.
[Even as the months pass by, she still remembers the morning that she met Allelujah - even if it's so distant now, that morning is one she looks on fondly, despite the atrocities that later happened that day. They're only grown closer since then, his kindness and understanding causing her to become more and more attached to him. Even if she still got embarrassed whenever he used the friend word. Some things never changed.
But her strength and agility have certainly changed, thanks to her training with him. Because she might have been a bit unsure about scaling the tops of Caissa, if only because she didn't want to fall or cause him to fall - now she moves as confidentially as she does when she dances. Of course, she still isn't as skilled as her companion, but she likes to think that she will be one day.
At least now she can see this scenery with him, gold eyes flicking over the lights, watching as they become brighter as the sun sets. Shaking her head to move the hair from her eyes as the breezes runs through it, sighing as her attention remains focused on the scene. Her focus quickly snaps to Allelujah when he pitches off the edge, watching his movements attentively, committing them to memory so that she can follow. While the second weapon she received would be useful here, it would pretty much be cheating - and she wants to follow and stand by Allelujah's side with her own skill, nothing else.
There's no hesitation when she sees his motion and hears his voice, nodding as she looks over the route. Swaying on her heels at the edge, before she lets the forward motion send herself over the edge - she can't lighten her impact like he did, but she's quick to turn her landing into a roll to soften the impact. Using that motion to help her jump at the wall too, huffing a relieved sigh as she manages to catch the edge, soon pulling herself up with a soft, triumphant smile.
No matter how big or small the route, any she completes without slipping or missing jumps is enough to fill her with pride. And there's no hesitation as she reaches to take his hand, her expression as impassive as always, even as she looks up at him in an almost curious manner.]
... What's next?
But her strength and agility have certainly changed, thanks to her training with him. Because she might have been a bit unsure about scaling the tops of Caissa, if only because she didn't want to fall or cause him to fall - now she moves as confidentially as she does when she dances. Of course, she still isn't as skilled as her companion, but she likes to think that she will be one day.
At least now she can see this scenery with him, gold eyes flicking over the lights, watching as they become brighter as the sun sets. Shaking her head to move the hair from her eyes as the breezes runs through it, sighing as her attention remains focused on the scene. Her focus quickly snaps to Allelujah when he pitches off the edge, watching his movements attentively, committing them to memory so that she can follow. While the second weapon she received would be useful here, it would pretty much be cheating - and she wants to follow and stand by Allelujah's side with her own skill, nothing else.
There's no hesitation when she sees his motion and hears his voice, nodding as she looks over the route. Swaying on her heels at the edge, before she lets the forward motion send herself over the edge - she can't lighten her impact like he did, but she's quick to turn her landing into a roll to soften the impact. Using that motion to help her jump at the wall too, huffing a relieved sigh as she manages to catch the edge, soon pulling herself up with a soft, triumphant smile.
No matter how big or small the route, any she completes without slipping or missing jumps is enough to fill her with pride. And there's no hesitation as she reaches to take his hand, her expression as impassive as always, even as she looks up at him in an almost curious manner.]
... What's next?
( it was only his second night on earth when talk of going home disseminated through tekkadan —— a decision made without him, but regrettably understandable in its urgency. time with this beautiful place is limited, and so he tries to savor the cool air at night, with its dark air gleaming with the aftereffects of a faint shower, grass coated with what looked like crystals under the guiding hand of moonlight. earth's greens and blues are so vivid that it seems like a dream his eyes can't adjust to and his brain can't keep up with. its sky and seas make him feel small, in the same way that he felt under the gaze of tekkadan's most prized soldier. weapon. protector?
after all of this time he still isn't sure what to make of the guy in front of him, laid out in recovery and staring blankly (boredly?) at the ceiling when eugene first opens the door. he's had one visit the night before, giving orga a well-deserved break and spending most of the evening staring at mikazuki's resting form, trying to find some vulnerability for his own sake. tonight his visit is supposed to be the same; he's given a tray of food and told, very sternly, by an exhausted and worn orga: don't let him get up.
of course mikazuki will be restless as people struggle to make sense of what's happened to him. hell, eugene is when watching him. just how he's supposed to stop mikazuki from doing anything the guy wants to do is a mystery, but he takes the responsibility pretty seriously, and the fact that his comrade is awake this time around seems like it could be a blessing to fight off some boredom. or a special sort of hell. unlike the broken bones suffered by the others, mikazuki's damage seems to be more permanent and confounding, and eugene isn't quite sure why he feels so angry about it. maybe it's just worry. maybe it's because mikazuki is a lunatic. either way, he's the kind of guy that none of tekkadan could take their eyes off of.
the door smacks softly behind him as he shuts it with a kick, switching the trey over to one hand as his other belatedly knocks to announce his entrance, just in case mikazuki's too drugged to notice.
honestly orga, i can't handle this guy like you can, eugene frowns. of course, it means the world to him to be "entrusted" with mikazuki, but. it's mikazuki. )
Oy, Mikazuki. ( his hand drags off the door and lazily through the air, giving a slight wave in the process. ) Time for your dinner.
after all of this time he still isn't sure what to make of the guy in front of him, laid out in recovery and staring blankly (boredly?) at the ceiling when eugene first opens the door. he's had one visit the night before, giving orga a well-deserved break and spending most of the evening staring at mikazuki's resting form, trying to find some vulnerability for his own sake. tonight his visit is supposed to be the same; he's given a tray of food and told, very sternly, by an exhausted and worn orga: don't let him get up.
of course mikazuki will be restless as people struggle to make sense of what's happened to him. hell, eugene is when watching him. just how he's supposed to stop mikazuki from doing anything the guy wants to do is a mystery, but he takes the responsibility pretty seriously, and the fact that his comrade is awake this time around seems like it could be a blessing to fight off some boredom. or a special sort of hell. unlike the broken bones suffered by the others, mikazuki's damage seems to be more permanent and confounding, and eugene isn't quite sure why he feels so angry about it. maybe it's just worry. maybe it's because mikazuki is a lunatic. either way, he's the kind of guy that none of tekkadan could take their eyes off of.
the door smacks softly behind him as he shuts it with a kick, switching the trey over to one hand as his other belatedly knocks to announce his entrance, just in case mikazuki's too drugged to notice.
honestly orga, i can't handle this guy like you can, eugene frowns. of course, it means the world to him to be "entrusted" with mikazuki, but. it's mikazuki. )
Oy, Mikazuki. ( his hand drags off the door and lazily through the air, giving a slight wave in the process. ) Time for your dinner.
[ Even as Allelujah frames this as training, it's become nearly cathartic for him. They have been fundamentally changed under Enprise's natural law, but like this, they grow stronger and more connected to the world around them, and to one another. Allelujah smiles when she reaches him, taking her hand in a spark of mana. Once foreign and something he'd wanted to withhold until necessary, the feeling of an exchange is now — essential. Warm, familiar. A million words to it and what it means to him.
Carefully pulling Lapis up and towards him, he gives a nod towards another outcrop of buildings. They rise up out of the carefully crafted rooftops, worn by sun. They are rather tall compared to the rest of the town, including a beautiful building rising like a spire, ringed by tiered roof. Carvings scale every dip and curve.
With her hand still in his, he glances to her, having no intention of letting go just yet. ]
Would you like to go there next?
Carefully pulling Lapis up and towards him, he gives a nod towards another outcrop of buildings. They rise up out of the carefully crafted rooftops, worn by sun. They are rather tall compared to the rest of the town, including a beautiful building rising like a spire, ringed by tiered roof. Carvings scale every dip and curve.
With her hand still in his, he glances to her, having no intention of letting go just yet. ]
Would you like to go there next?
[Even while Lapis believes this is simply training for him - she still isn't used to the idea that people might like just being around her - it's something that she finds cathartic as well. The fighting still wears on her, still makes it harder to sleep at night, but she can forget about them all when she's with Allelujah up here.
So seeing how he smiles as she takes his hand, and feeling the exchange of mana is enough to get her to relax completely - almost leaning against him as she gazes around at the rooftops. She notices his nod out of the corner of her eyes, glancing up and then looking towards where he has in mind.
The idea of being able to climb that and look over the city with him gets her to smile, nodding as she peeks up at him once more, her hand still firmly holding his. The warmth of his hand around hers is always something that makes her heart flutter a bit.]
... Sounds like a great idea. The view will probably be amazing.
So seeing how he smiles as she takes his hand, and feeling the exchange of mana is enough to get her to relax completely - almost leaning against him as she gazes around at the rooftops. She notices his nod out of the corner of her eyes, glancing up and then looking towards where he has in mind.
The idea of being able to climb that and look over the city with him gets her to smile, nodding as she peeks up at him once more, her hand still firmly holding his. The warmth of his hand around hers is always something that makes her heart flutter a bit.]
... Sounds like a great idea. The view will probably be amazing.
[ In life, there are worse things than being a lunatic. Like being inert. Mikazuki's blood has slowed to a crawl in his veins, clouding him up from the inside out. Being like this isn't the problem — a busted arm and a bad eye are inconveniences, but Mikazuki wears his endurance like a second skin, his resistance almost as honed as his strength. That's probably why he's been confined here, someone either sitting in with him or lingering by the door to listen for any signs of activity. It's definitely why he's been given medicine to dull the effects of his new condition. Even Orga opposed, at first. Then he'd discovered Mikazuki already halfway into Barbatos's cockpit after being told to take it easy, and changed his opinion.
Now his head pounds. He's not in any pain, but there is noise slowly circulating within him. Probably his own pulse, though it also sounds like Barbatos, at times. At his bedside, there is a small radio on the table. For days now, it's been playing Kudelia's speech as news. Mikazuki doesn't really understand much of it, just that he likes listening to her. As he stares at the unbroken ceiling, he vaguely tries to sharpen his sense of depth, to test the limits of how he now sees. He's mostly unsuccessful, and his good fingers flex instinctively across his middle. ]
Still no good, huh... [ Mikazuki breathes in, tasting the impression of rain on the air. That's how he is when the door opens and closes, his visitor apparently only thinking to knock after the fact. Then, the greeting — Eugene. Now it makes sense. ] It's already that late?
[ His question is genuine, and not a complaint. How long had it been since he'd laid down? He didn't think he'd lost that much time to parsing what his body now feels like with half of it lost, and the other half drugged. With his left arm, he pushes up into a seat, swinging his legs off the side of the bed. Miss Merribit and Takaki had brought him a sling for his other arm sometime earlier in the day, but Mikazuki left it crumpled on the bedside table alongside the radio.
His gaze cuts aside to the tray of food, and he nods to Eugene. ]
...thanks.
Now his head pounds. He's not in any pain, but there is noise slowly circulating within him. Probably his own pulse, though it also sounds like Barbatos, at times. At his bedside, there is a small radio on the table. For days now, it's been playing Kudelia's speech as news. Mikazuki doesn't really understand much of it, just that he likes listening to her. As he stares at the unbroken ceiling, he vaguely tries to sharpen his sense of depth, to test the limits of how he now sees. He's mostly unsuccessful, and his good fingers flex instinctively across his middle. ]
Still no good, huh... [ Mikazuki breathes in, tasting the impression of rain on the air. That's how he is when the door opens and closes, his visitor apparently only thinking to knock after the fact. Then, the greeting — Eugene. Now it makes sense. ] It's already that late?
[ His question is genuine, and not a complaint. How long had it been since he'd laid down? He didn't think he'd lost that much time to parsing what his body now feels like with half of it lost, and the other half drugged. With his left arm, he pushes up into a seat, swinging his legs off the side of the bed. Miss Merribit and Takaki had brought him a sling for his other arm sometime earlier in the day, but Mikazuki left it crumpled on the bedside table alongside the radio.
His gaze cuts aside to the tray of food, and he nods to Eugene. ]
...thanks.
( there is a casual way that mikazuki goes about everything that leaves eugene utterly mystified — as if he's always guided no matter what, compass never ossified, conflict absent. he knows better, but knowing doesn't always stop that visceral conviction known as awe.
the stool cuts sharply across the hard floor as he drags it, scraping and creaking loudly until it's positioned right at mikazuki's bedside. eugene settles on it with a frown, rearranging a couple of items on the table to make room for the tray, finding the noise of it all against the silence of the room to be almost embarrassing. in an almost immediate bid for distraction, eugene decides that he'd like to hear himself talk over the sound of the crinkling of the straw wrapper or the soft clanking of the silverware. honestly, he's never had to care for someone in this way, and the task shouldn't be so daunting. but it's mikazuki. )
You're probably really bored, huh? ( sticking the straw in the cup now, ) But, you know, you're getting a lot of attention from us all. ( — and just how does he go about this? eugene grasps the cup and shifts in his seat, staring at the juice uncertainly and wondering if oranges taste different on earth. )
So you can't really complain, because everyone really needs you ... ( he trails off for a pause, feeling a heat hit his ears as he thrusts the cup forward at mikazuki's chin, ) — to be better. ( was it ok to hold the drink for him while he drinks? though mikazuki has an arm that works perfectly fine, eugene adjusts the straw anyway. ) Um, here. ( he can justify this to himself with concern of mikazuki's morphine-addled coordination, which is less lame than admitting he's simply copying what he's seen merribit do for tekkadan's youngest members. all of whom totally milk the attention of course. )
the stool cuts sharply across the hard floor as he drags it, scraping and creaking loudly until it's positioned right at mikazuki's bedside. eugene settles on it with a frown, rearranging a couple of items on the table to make room for the tray, finding the noise of it all against the silence of the room to be almost embarrassing. in an almost immediate bid for distraction, eugene decides that he'd like to hear himself talk over the sound of the crinkling of the straw wrapper or the soft clanking of the silverware. honestly, he's never had to care for someone in this way, and the task shouldn't be so daunting. but it's mikazuki. )
You're probably really bored, huh? ( sticking the straw in the cup now, ) But, you know, you're getting a lot of attention from us all. ( — and just how does he go about this? eugene grasps the cup and shifts in his seat, staring at the juice uncertainly and wondering if oranges taste different on earth. )
So you can't really complain, because everyone really needs you ... ( he trails off for a pause, feeling a heat hit his ears as he thrusts the cup forward at mikazuki's chin, ) — to be better. ( was it ok to hold the drink for him while he drinks? though mikazuki has an arm that works perfectly fine, eugene adjusts the straw anyway. ) Um, here. ( he can justify this to himself with concern of mikazuki's morphine-addled coordination, which is less lame than admitting he's simply copying what he's seen merribit do for tekkadan's youngest members. all of whom totally milk the attention of course. )
I have no doubt. [ Though, truth be told, when he looks aside, he thinks that the view from here is lovely, too. Something more genuine flickers in his expression as he lifts her hand to bring her to the next point they'll take from here. Breaking her away from his side makes him miss the warmth, however fleetingly. ] Getting there will be easy, with everything you learned.
[ Allelujah lets go of her, giving a brief glance over the moonlit rooftops. Despite his cautious nature, he sees an immediate path to where he wants to be. It's a calculation as much as it is a type of intuition that runs in him, stirring like wind — like what he sees as freedom. ]
Lapis. I want you to stay by me. Do you think you can?
[ Up until now, Allelujah has been content to take safe routes, to lead her while she gained her bearings. This time, he thinks she's ready to stand on her own. ]
[ Allelujah lets go of her, giving a brief glance over the moonlit rooftops. Despite his cautious nature, he sees an immediate path to where he wants to be. It's a calculation as much as it is a type of intuition that runs in him, stirring like wind — like what he sees as freedom. ]
Lapis. I want you to stay by me. Do you think you can?
[ Up until now, Allelujah has been content to take safe routes, to lead her while she gained her bearings. This time, he thinks she's ready to stand on her own. ]
[While the view is something she's looking forward to see, the fact that she gets to see it with Allelujah makes it even better. Her expression softening for a second as she glances up at him, her heart skipping a beat when she sees something flicker in his expression as he lifts her hand. Trying not to pout when he eventually has to break away, glancing to the side for a moment - even as she puffs her chest in pride at his words.
Her eyes soon focus on the rooftops as well, scanning around for possible routes. She thinks for a moment that it'll be the same as usual, with her following behind. So what he says prompts her to blink up at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she nods firmly - now looking almost determined.]
... Of course. I'll be by your side the entire way.
[Something warm swells up in her chest at the thought of moving alongside him, rather than behind. Already deciding that there's no way she'll let herself fall behind or mess up. Not wanting to betray his confidence in her.]
Her eyes soon focus on the rooftops as well, scanning around for possible routes. She thinks for a moment that it'll be the same as usual, with her following behind. So what he says prompts her to blink up at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she nods firmly - now looking almost determined.]
... Of course. I'll be by your side the entire way.
[Something warm swells up in her chest at the thought of moving alongside him, rather than behind. Already deciding that there's no way she'll let herself fall behind or mess up. Not wanting to betray his confidence in her.]
[ Just their luck, isn't it? Freezing in cold, damp cave. No boots, wet clothes and low mana and therefore, no fire. Life must love them.
Never mind that their mission has gone to hell no thanks to the freak storm that scattered pretty much everything, including their cargo and entourage. It's a miracle both of them survived, although not without almost drowning and Hallelujah growling through the whole ordeal. Not that Tieria blames him, really. He's pretty pissed himself.
It's a good thing he wore his boots and not the glass slippers because Tieria is sure they'll never survive the current. The state of his muds soaked and dirt spoiled boots that lay discarded on the cave floor is proof enough.
Hugging himself, he sighs, annoyed with their situation while the rain continue pouring outside. ] When is this damn rain going to stop?
Never mind that their mission has gone to hell no thanks to the freak storm that scattered pretty much everything, including their cargo and entourage. It's a miracle both of them survived, although not without almost drowning and Hallelujah growling through the whole ordeal. Not that Tieria blames him, really. He's pretty pissed himself.
It's a good thing he wore his boots and not the glass slippers because Tieria is sure they'll never survive the current. The state of his muds soaked and dirt spoiled boots that lay discarded on the cave floor is proof enough.
Hugging himself, he sighs, annoyed with their situation while the rain continue pouring outside. ] When is this damn rain going to stop?
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